Looking for the perfect quick side dish? This simple side salad is crisp, fresh, and comes together in just minutes. It’s loaded with crunchy vegetables, a little cheese for richness, and plenty of homemade croutons for that irresistible bite. Serve it with just about anything, from weeknight pasta to a hearty casserole or grilled chicken, and you’ve got a balanced, colorful plate. If you love salads, I also have a Winter Chopped Salad you will love!

Simple Side Salad in wooden bowls on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mixed Greens or Spring Mix: Any lettuce works like romaine for extra crunch, spinach for more nutrients, or a mix of both.
Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or diced garden tomatoes are great alternatives.
Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers stay extra crisp and don’t need peeling.
Red Onion: For a milder bite, soak in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
Shredded Carrots: Matchstick carrots save prep time and work just as well.
Mild Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella pearls, crumbled feta, or shredded parmesan are all great swaps.
Homemade Croutons: Make a quick batch of my homemade croutons for a buttery crunch, or grab store-bought if you’re short on time.
Dressing: Ranch is a classic (I have a wonderful homemade ranch dressing and cowboy butter ranch dressing you could try!), but creamy balsamic vinaigrette, Italian, or honey mustard all pair beautifully. What is your favorite salad dressing?

Raw Simple Side Salad ingredients in a bowl next to ranch and homemade croutons on a wooden table from overhead.

Serving Ideas

This simple side salad goes with just about anything! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

With Pasta: Pair it with my classic Fettuccini Alfredo or a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.
With a Casserole: This salad is the perfect fresh bite alongside turkey tetrazzini.
With Grilled Chicken: Keep things light and healthy by serving it next to grilled chicken breasts.

Pouring ranch dressing over a Simple Side Salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Wait to toss with dressing and add croutons until just before serving so the salad stays crisp.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

Ranch is a classic, but balsamic vinaigrette, Italian, or even honey mustard work beautifully. Use whatever matches the rest of your meal.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sliced steak, or chickpeas make this a hearty and balanced meal.

What other toppings can I add?

Get creative! Crunchy toppings like Parmesan crisps or crispy wonton strips are a fun swap for croutons. You can also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

How to Store a Simple Side Salad

Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing. Don’t leave dressed salad out for more than 1-2 hours.

Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep croutons and dressing separate so everything stays fresh and crunchy.

Freezer: Salads with fresh greens don’t freeze well; it’s best to make this recipe fresh.

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Simple Side Salad

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

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Ingredients

▢ 6 cups mixed greens or spring mix, washed and dried
▢ 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
▢ ½ medium cucumber, thinly sliced
▢ ½ cup (61 g) carrots, shredded
▢ ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
▢ ½ cup (56.5 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
▢ 1 cup (40 g) homemade croutons

Dressing

▢ Ranch dressing, or your favorite dressing

Instructions

Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and onions.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the salad.
Just before serving, drizzle your preferred dressing over the salad. Start with a few tablespoons and add more to taste.
Toss gently with salad tongs or two large spoons until everything is evenly coated.
Top with croutons and serve immediately.